Van Alstyne

Spelled variously, the Van
Alstyne family of early Albany (but mostly of its hinterland)
descends from Jan Martense who came to Beverwyck
during the 1650s. He was involved in the establishment of Kinderhook
and his offspring mostly settled in that area of old Albany
County.

By 1790, no Van Alstyne-named households
remained in the city. However, five Van Alstyne homes were listed on the
Watervliet census.

Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the descendants of Jan Martense constituted a significant presence - but mainly in the
countryside south and east of Albany. Today, the family homestead in Canajoharie is a Revolutionary War era landmark.

notes

Sources: This access page for the Van Alstyne family is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Beginning with a wide dispersal in the region, comprehending this family is proving difficult and we encourage caution in trying to sort out the Albany Van Alstynes.